Pakistan, Jan. 24 -- American Idol returns with Season 24 on Monday, January 26, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. New episodes will air on Mondays instead of Sundays, marking a schedule change. Ryan Seacrest returns as host, while Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood return as judges.

Underwood, who won Season 4, joined the judging panel last year and replaced Katy Perry. Richie said the judges now focus on supporting contestants rather than blunt criticism. The goal is to help contestants grow, even if they do not advance.

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